Convenience package for flat storage and shipment,that is foldable to a tetrahedronal shape for mixing and dispensing



United States Patent CONVENIENCE PACKAGE FOR FLAT STORAGE AND SHIPMENT,THAT IS FOLDABLE TO A TETRAI'IEDRONAL SHAPE FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING 7Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 206/46; 99/171 222/107: 229/65, 229/66 Int. Cl B65d 83/06, B65d85/72, 865d 77/14 Field of Search 2O6/ 46,47,47A: 229/65, 66, 62:128/275: 99/l7lOM. 171C. 1715: 222/107: 259/72 [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,103,840 12/1937 Bauer 229/65 2,341,056 2/1944Moore... 206/46MUX 2,760,630 8/1956 Lakso 2O6/56(A l 2,973,131 2/1961Mead etal. 229/66 3,186,625 6/1965 Mead et al. 229/53 3,189,253 6/1965Mojonnier 229/66 3,282,411 11/1966 Jardine ..206/46(Misc)UX 3,311,2883/1967 Lemelson 229/65 FOREIGN PATENTS 865,476 4/1961 Great Britain229/66 964,542 7/1964 Great Britain 206/47 Primary Examiner-William T.Dixson, Jr. A tt0rneysFrank E. Robbins, James L. Bailey, Janet E. Price,

Robert D. Weist and Martha A. Michaels ABSTRACT: Covers a conveniencepackage for a substance, such as a concentrated form of an ediblematerial, that is to be mixed with a liquid for ultimate use. Thepackage is constructed so as to retain a substantially flat or pillowform, when a small quantity of the substance is packed inside, and to beeasily opened for adding water. It can be rescaled in a tetrahedronalshape and used as a shaker to mix the substance and the liquid. A secondeasily opened closure is also provided, to form a dispensing opening.

Sheet CONVENIENCEPACKAGE FOR FLAT STORAGE AND SHIPMENT, TI'IAT ISFOLDABLE TO A TETRAHEDRONAL SHAPE FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of my pending US. Pat. applicationSer. No. 739,70l-filed June 25, 1968 entitled CONVENIENCE PACKAGE FORFLAT STORAGE AND SHIPMENT, THAT IS FOLDABLE TO A TETRAHEDRONAL SHAPE FORMIXING AND DISPENSING" and executed by me on June 21', 1968, nowabandoned.

This invention relates to a novel package construction. Morespecifically, it relates to a combination containershaker, in which asubstancewhich is to be mixed with a liquid for ultimate use can bepackaged and stored, and which will also serve as a shaker"'for mixingthe material with the liquid, and which can ultimately serve as thecontainer for the finished, reconstituted product.

There are many products, particularly food products, on the market whichare to be mixed with a liquid for ultimate use. These products arepackaged and sold in a dry or liquid concentrated (e.g. syrup) form;typical examples of such products are dry or syruplike beverage bases,dry milk powder, instant puddings, instant mashed potatoes, instant orquickcooking cereals such as oat mean, and the like. Such substances,which will be referred to hereinafter as to bases or base substance",are generally packaged in relatively flat envelopes, pouches, or similarfspace-saving" packages.

When the consumer wishes to use such a product he transfers the base toa suitable mixing vessel, that is usually in the form of a rigidcontainer, adds the liquid, and mixes. If the mixing container isequipped with closure means, the mixing the powder may be placed in ablender together with milk or water, and blended. It is then poured fromthe blender into a glass or cup, for consumption. i

It is an object of the'present invention to provide a container forsubstances which are tobe mixed with a liquid for ultimate use, whichcontainer is in a relatively flat shape and therefore requires verylittle storage space, which container is further capable, upon opening,of receiving and holding the liquid and, upon reclosing, of functioningas a shaker" for the mixing of the ingredients.

Another object of the invention is to provide a flat, spacesavingcontainer for substances which are to be mixed with a 1 liquid forultimate use, which container will also'serve as a shaker for mixingthesubstance with the liquid, and which will further serve as the ultimateholding vessel from which the final product is consumed or otherwisedispensed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a container for dry orconcentrated liquid food products which are to be mixed with liquidprior to consumption, which container originally acts as a compact,flexible, easily stored package for the food product; second, acts as arigid receptacle for receiving the liquid and as a shaker for mixing thefood product and the liquid; and third, acts as a rigid, easily handledvessel from which the final foodstuff may be consumed or otherwisedispensed.

An additional object'of the invention is to provide a small,

M space-saving" package for dry or syruplike beverage bases or the likewhich additionally functions as a receptacle for water,

semiliquid or gellike consistency, e.g. instant pudding bases, instantor quick-cooking cereals, instant gelatin, etc., which packageadditionally functions as a receptacle for receiving the liquid, as ashaker for mixing the dry food product with the liquid, and as acontainer from which the finished produce may be consumed or otherwisedispensed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combinationpackage-shaker-eating or drinking-receptacle for base substances whichare to be mixed with a liquid prior to use.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a combinationpackage-shaker-dispensing receptacle for foodstuffs or the like which isinexpensive to construct, simple and convenient to use, and which isparticularly attractive to children.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparenthereinafter from the specification and the appended claims.

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention,wherein the package in its original sealed condition is in the form of arelatively flat, rectangular-shaped envelope or pouch, which uponreclosing (after addition of the liquid) is resealable in the shape of atetrahedron. The rescaled package provides a convenient shaker formixing the original contents of the package with the added liquid. Themixed contents can then be consumed directly from the package, or theymay be dispensed to another container for consumption.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a package, that is constructed inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, in itssealed, unopened condition;

FIG. 2 is a section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, looking in thedirection of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the package, showing one end of theenvelope partially removed;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the same package, after completeremoval of the end of the envelope, showing the upper end of theenvelope opened out to receive the liquid that is being poured into theenvelope;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the envelope after the liquid has beenpoured into it and after the open upper end has been closed at an angleof 90 to its original position when unopened;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the package after the closure flap atthe upper end of the envelope has been folded over once, with theposition of the flap prior to folding over being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, showing the resealedcontainer inverted from the position shown in FIG. 6, and with onecorner removed and a drinking straw inserted;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a package that is constructed inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, showingthe package in its sealed, unopened condition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 9, after theclosure flap at the upper end of the package has been folded over once,prior to reclosing the package in tetrahedronal shape;

FIG. 11 is a section taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. 9, looking in thedirection of the arrows; and

FIG. 12 is a section taken on the line 12-12 of FIG. 11,

- looking in the direction of the arrows.

The package or container, that is made in accordance with the invention,should preferably be so constructed as to lie relatively flat in itsoriginal, closed condition, like a pouch or envelope, and should be madeof a semiflexible material which is substantially impervious to liquids.The container should be provided with easily operated means for openingit, whereby the container can be opened and liquid can be introduced. Itshould be further provided with means for reclosing, or resealing, theopening in such a manner that the container assumes a distended shapewhereby the liquid is enclosed therein and whereby there is sufficientfree space to facilitate mixing, and whereby the distended container hassufficient rigidity and is sufficiently sturdy to be handled during themixing, or

shaking, operation. The container should also be provided with means forreopening same, either at the original opening or, preferably, at adifferent location, whereby the finished product may be easily dispensedfrom the container, and should further retain sufficient rigidity afteropening to facilitate dispensing or consuming.

The term "semiflexible is used to refer to a quality of the wall of thecontainer, that is, of the material from which the container is made,that permits it to be yielding so that it does not break or shatter,upon normal handling; that permits folding along crease linesconveniently and without undue effort; and that has sufficient rigidity,nevertheless, in its tetrahedronal shape particularly, to permit its usefor the intended purpose of shaking materials to mix them. Manypackaging materials can be used having this characteristic, such as, forexample, moisture-proof laminates of certain plastic films and paper orpaper board.

In order to form the container, after initiallyopening it, with thedesired distended shape, volume, and rigidity for the subsequentoperations, it is desirable that it be easily recloseable at an angle tothe line along which it was originally opened. The degree of this anglewill depend upon the original shape of the container and the amount ofdistention and volume ultimately desired. Generally, a 90 angle willafford the maximum distention and volume, but smaller angles can also beemployed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is constructedin the form of a generally rectangular envelope that is provided withopening means at one of its ends, and further provided with means forreclosing it at that same end, at an angle of approximately 90 to theopening line, so that the rescaled container is tetrahedronal in'shape.

Referring now in detail to the drawings by numerals of reference, thenumeral denotes generally a sealed package or container that is made inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. This package10 is formed from a single sheet ofa semiflexible moisture-imperviouspackaging material such as, for example, paper stock that is coated withmetal foil on one surface and a plastic film on the other, such as is inuse for many packaging purposes. This angle sheet of packaging materialhas been folded over upon itself along opposed, lengthwise-extendingparallel crease or fold lines 11 and 12 respectively. The somewhattubular structure formed by the foling operation includes a narrow frontpanel 14, a single, wide back panel 15, and a second front panel 16 thatis lapped over one marginal edge of the narrow front panel 14 along aseam 18, along which the two front panels 14 and 16 respectively arebonded together in moisture-proof fashion, by adhesive, heat-sealing, orsome other suitable bonding technique for accomplishing the desiredpurpose.

The package is sealed at its bottom end (relative to FIG. 1) along atransverse seam 19. The package is also provided, at its lower left andrelative to FIG. 1, with a preformed, punched-out bight 20, from which aguide line 21 extends diagonally across the lower end of the package,beyond the seam 19, to the fold line 11.

The package is sealed at its upper end by a second transverse seam 24. Atransverse guide line 25, such as, for example, a score line, is formedacross the entire upper end of the package 10,just below the lower edgeof the seam 24.

A strap 26, preferably of metal, is bonded to the outer surface of thepackage in such fashion that it extends, somewhat in a U-shape, aroundboth the front and back surfaces of the package, just beneath the guideline 25. The package 10 is formed in its front face with a preformed,lengthwise-extending crease line 28 and in its rear face, opposite thecrease line 28, with a second, similar preformed crease line 29. The twoopposite ends of the strap 26, that project beyond the two crease lines28 and 29 respectively, are free, that is, are not bonded to the surfaceof the package, and provide tabs 30 and 31 respectively.

To use a package in accordance with the present invention, a basesubstance 32 is placed within the package before one or both of the endseams 19 and 24 respectively are sealed. Thereafter, the package issealed to enclose the base substance 32 therein. This base material maybe, for example, a powdered concentrate for a beverage such as lemonadeor some other fruitade, that can be made up into the drink upon mixingwith an appropriate quantity of water. As shown in FIG. 2, at this pointthe package is what is sometimes called in the trade a conventionalpillow or envelope type of package.

To use the package in accordance with the present invention, the entireupper seam 24 is removed by tearing along the guide line 25, as shown inFIG. 3, after the upper seam 24 has been completely removed, theopposite side fold lines 11 and 12 of the package are gently pressedtoward each other near the upper end of the package, which causes theupper end of the package to open, to the position shown in FIG. 4. Whenthe preformed front and back crease lines 28 and 29 serve their purposeproperly, the front and back panels of the package fold along thesecrease lines and the fold lines 11 and 12 are pressed toward each other.

A desired amount of water or other liquid, and any other desiredmaterial, can then be poured or otherwise added to the base substance 32that is already in the package, through theopening at the upper endofthe package.

To permit use of the container as a shaker, for mixing the basesubstance 32 with the liquid and any other added materials, the oppositefold lines 11 and 12 of the package are then brought together further atthe upper end of the package, until they meet, thus forming the packageinto a generally tetrahedronal shape, with the crease lines 28a and 29a(FIGS. 5 and 6) extending further along the package, from the original,preformed crease lines 28 and 29. At the same time, the strap 26 isstraightened out. This strap 26, and the adjacent portions of the upperend of the package, are then folded over once, at least, as shown inFIG. 6', or more often if desired, to form a tight seal that re closesthe package. The end tabs 30 and 31 are then folded over, as shown inFIG. 7, to hold the package securely in its new generally tetrahedronalshape, and to maintain the package in sealed condition at its previouslyopened end. The user can then shake the package in order to mix thecontents and make them uniform.

In order to consume the fruitade, the package is then inverted, to theposition shown in FIG. 8. The corner of the package is then removed bytearing it off along the guide line 21, using the bight 20 as aconvenient means for getting the tear started. A straw 34 can then beinserted through the opening, to permit the consumption ofthe lemonade.Alternatively, the opening can be used for pouring the lemonade into acup or glass, or it may even be used as a spout through which thelemonade may be taken directly into the mouth.

In the modified form of the invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and10, the numeral 40 denotes generally the container. The construction ofthis container is generally similar to that of the package illustratedinFIGS. 1 through 8 and previously described. That is, the package 40 isformed from a single sheet of a semiflexible packaging material such as,for example, a plastic film or a laminate of a plastic film and a metalfoil. Many kinds of packaging laminates are suitable for forming thepackage.

This single sheet of packaging material has been folded over upon itselfalong opposed, lengthwise-extending parallel fold lines 41 and 42respectively. The somewhat tubular structure formed by the foldingoperation includes a left front panel 44 (relative to FIG. 9), a single,wide back panel 45, and a second, right front panel 46. The ends of thesheet from which this tubular structure is formed are secured togetherto form a seam 48 of the face-to-face type. The confronting marginalareas of the material that are joined together at the seam 48 may bebonded together by an adhesive or, preferably, by heat-sealing, althoughany suitable bonding technique can be employed to accomplish the desiredpurpose. The face-to-face type of seam, that is employed in thisembodiment of the invention, is in contrast to the face-to-back type ofseam that was employed in the package construction illustrated in FIGS.1 through 8 and previously described.

Referring again particularly to FIGS. 9and 10, the package is sealed .atits'bottom end, relative to FlG'.-;9,falong atransverse end seam 49. .The package is also provided, at its lower left end relative to FIG. 9,with a preformed, punchedrout bight 50, tofacilitate. removal of a partof the scamyand preferably a part of the body, to fornia dispensingopening a the lower end of the package, when desired. e

The package is sealed at its upper end by asecond transverse seam 54, Apreformed,punched-out bight or notch 55 is formed in the package bodyadjacent or'overlapping the lower edge of the seam 54, to facilitatetearing to separate that seam fromthe package body. If desired, a guideline 57, such' as a dotted line printed on the package or, possibly aline of weakness such as a score line, can be provided extending alongthe upper end of the package fromthe' notch-55.

A strap 56 is securedto the outer surface of the package in such fashionthat it extends, as in the previousembodiment of the invention, aroundboth the front and back surfaces of the package, just beneath the loweredge of the end seam 54. The two opposite ends of the strap 56thatproject beyond the center line of the package, are free, that is,are not bonded to the surface of the package, and provide tabs 60 and 6]respectively.

This package facilitates resealing the package for use as a shaker.

While the invention has been described in connection with a] beveragepackage, it will be understood that this novel package is susceptible tomany. different uses. For'example, it provides a convenient package fordessert powders that must is used in the same way asthe packageembodiment of the invention previously described. However, it v hastheadvantage that the seam 48 facilitates opening of the package-to itsdistended form during use,: and in addition,

For example, the package can be used initially for packaging and sellinga seasoned breading preparation. The customer opens the package, aspreviously described, places the pieces of meat, fish, or other materialto be-breaded in the package, recloses in the tetrahedronal form, andshakes, in order to apply the breading composition neatly andconveniently.

While theinvention has been described in connection withspecificembodimehts thereof,'it will be understood that it is theinvention.

ing with aliquidcomponent such as water or milk, with or without otheraddedi'ngredie'nts such as, for'exarnple, an egg,

vegetable, oil, or the like. Instant breakfasts or liquid or'powderedconcentrates forother types of instant snacks or'meals can also bepackaged conveniently in accordance with the invention. Another kind ofproduct that is advantageously packaged in accordance with the inventionis syrup solids. These solids can be packaged in unit or other smallportions, if

desired," and offer a convenient way to package and transport this kindof product.

When the package is to be used for mixing together a hot liquid withabase material,- the package must beformed from packaging material thatcan withstand the high temperature. This would be the case, for example,where the package is used for instant tea, instant coffee, instantcocoa, instant soup, of the like. i i

The package of the invention is also convenient for packaging materialsother than foodstuffs and'beverages. For exam ple, tintingpigments forpaint can be conveniently packaged.

The liquid tint base is poured into the opened'container to a previouslymarked level, the package is rescaled in tetrahedronal shape, and themixing can be completed in the package, with a minimum oflabor and mess.

Packages made in accordance with-the invention are also very convenientfor such uses as the application of flour or seasoned preparations topieces of poultry, meat, and the like.

, I claim: i t

1'. A flat-walled tubular container having substantially parallel sideedges and opposing ends extending transversely to said sideedge's, oneof the ends-of said container having an opening therein extending fromone side-edge of the container to the other side edge, the'op'posing endof said container being closed:

means for sealing said opening in said container; guide meanslocatedadjacent said sealing means and extending across at least one wall ofsaid container to the side edges thereof .to'facilitate the opening ofsaid con- 't'ainer by the removal of said sealing means; resealing meansadjacent said guide means and the opening in said container providedbythe removal of said sealing means; and r said resealing means extendingfrom one side edge of said container toward the opposite side edgethereof, and havving portions secured to the underlying outer surfacesof the walls of the container and extending from said one side edge to apoint approximately midway between said side edges and portionsoverlying but free from said outer surfaces of-said walls and extendinga substantial distance toward said opposite] side edge of the container.2. 'A container in accordance with claim 1, additionally provided withapair of opposed crease lines that extend generally 3. A container inaccordance with claim 1, additionally pro-- vided with second guidemeans, at the closed end thereof opposite to the end at which the iirstguide means is located, that least one lengthwise-extendingseam disposedsubstantially extends diagonally from said closed end to a side edge ofsaid container, to facilitate the formation of a dispensing opening insaid container.

' 4. A: container in accordance with claim 1, which has at midway of oneface of the container and that extends from the opening to the opposing,closed end.

v 5. A container in accordance with claim 4, wherein said lengthwiseextending seam is a seam of the face-toface type.

' 6. A mixing package comprising a flat-walled tubular container as setforth in claim 1, and a substance that is to be mixed with a liquid forultimate use disposed within said container.

opening means, for forming asecond, dispensing opening in' the pouch,to'facilitate dispensing of the mixture of substance and liquid.

